Eculizumab and Belatacept for De Novo Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated With CFHR3-CFHR1 Deletion in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Transplant Proc. 2017 Jan-Feb;49(1):188-192. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.11.008.

Abstract

Background: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and occurs due to genetic or acquired abnormalities that result in the dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway.

Case report: We report a case of post-living kidney transplantation de novo aHUS in a setting of heterozygous deletion in the complement factor H-related protein (CFHR)3-CFHR1 gene. The aHUS episode was possibly triggered by antibody-mediated rejection or tacrolimus. The patient responded well to eculizumab and substituting belatacept for tacrolimus. Her serum creatinine level was stable at 1.5 mg/dL after 2.5 years of follow-up.

Conclusion: This case highlights the success of using a strategy that combines eculizumab and belatacept, as an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors, in treating aHUS in a patient with heterozygous deletion in the CFHR3-CFHR1 gene.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abatacept / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome / etiology
  • Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome / genetics
  • Blood Proteins / genetics
  • Complement C3b Inactivator Proteins / genetics
  • Complement Inactivating Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / complications
  • Graft Rejection / drug therapy*
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy*
  • Postoperative Complications / genetics
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Blood Proteins
  • CFHR1 protein, human
  • CFHR3 protein, human
  • Complement C3b Inactivator Proteins
  • Complement Inactivating Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Abatacept
  • eculizumab
  • Tacrolimus